Honorary Degrees

Roger J. Valine

Roger J. Valine

President/CEO of Vision Service Plan (VSP)

California State University, Sacramento

In his 30 years as the president and CEO of Vision Service Plan (VSP), Roger J. Valine built a small vision care firm into one of the top benefit providers in the country, one frequently named as one of the nation's "Best Companies to Work For." He is also known for his contributions to the betterment of the community, establishing programs to ensure clear vision for thousands of Americans.

Initially hired as a management trainee in 1973, Mr. Valine moved up through the company, eventually becoming Vision Service Plan's President and CEO in 1992. By the time he retired in 2006, the company had 45 million clients - representing one of every eight Americans. For seven consecutive years under his leadership, VSP was one of Fortune Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For," ranking as high as 7th in 2006. The company was recognized for a workplace culture that emphasizes balancing work with family time through flexible scheduling; supporting employee continuing education; and encouraging employees' charitable efforts. With Mr. Valine's guidance, Vision Service Plan also established the Sight for Students program to provide eye care and eyewear to low-income, uninsured children.

Mr. Valine has drawn wide praise for his generosity as a mentor to up-and-coming business and community leaders, serving on boards for the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy, the California Chamber of Commerce, the Young Presidents' Organization, the World Presidents' Organization, American Specialty Health, the Valley Vision Workforce Development Regional Cluster Project, and Linking Education and Economic Development. He also worked with the Partnership for Prosperity, the Sacramento Region Economic Cluster Project, PRIDE Industries, Transplant Hope, Christian Brothers High School, the Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance, and Sacramento State's Alumni Association and the university's Executive Committee. The Sacramento State Alumni Association awarded Mr. Valine its Distinguished Service Award in 1997 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in April 2007.

In recognition of his personal and professional achievements and meritorious service to society, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Sacramento are proud to confer on Roger J. Valine the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.